Follow-through care for high-risk infants during the COVID-19 pandemic: lessons learned from the Vermont Oxford Network

Abstract

Objective: The COVID-19 pandemic has altered the delivery of follow-up care for high-risk infants. We performed an audit to characterize programmatic responses in a quality improvement network. Study design: We audited 43 North American-based follow-up programs of the Vermont Oxford Network Extremely Low Birth Weight Follow-up Study Group in October, 2020. Our electronic survey included yes/no, agree/disagree, and free text response items. Result: The response rate was 67.4%. Most programs altered capacity and the timing, frequency, or content of clinical assessments. Most perceived practice changes compromised their ability to ascertain infants’ medical and developmental needs. There was a rapid uptake of telemedicine services. Despite challenges with implementation, many endorsed improved connectedness with families. Conclusion: Programs adapted rapidly to meet the needs of high-risk infants during the pandemic. Clinical operations, assessment procedures, and quality metrics will also need to evolve. Quality improvement study group collaboratives are well-positioned to coordinate such work.